Six Ways to Play by the Sea in Nags Head
Looking for the best things to do in Nags Head during your Outer Banks getaway? When you stay at Surf Side Hotel, the beach is your front yard—and adventure is waiting just beyond the waves. Whether you’re chasing thrills, enjoying a family vacation, or simply soaking up the best Outer Banks activities, Nags Head offers endless ways to get moving. Here are six guest-favorite adventures to make your stay unforgettable.
Watersports in the Outer Banks
Parasailing, surfing, jet ski rentals, pontoon boats, and tubing—if it happens on the water, you can find it here. Local outfitters provide surfboards, skimboards, boogie boards, and wetsuits so you can make the most of every splash. Whether you’re catching a wave or cruising calm waters, Nags Head is the perfect spot for Outer Banks watersports.
Kayak & Standup Paddleboard Tours
One of the most peaceful and scenic Nags Head activities is exploring by kayak or paddleboard. Book a tour with Outer Banks Kayak Adventures for a sunrise paddle through salt marshes, or try a moonlight trip along the Roanoke Sound. Rentals are also available if you’d like to set your own pace.
👉 Outer Banks Kayak Adventures
First Flight Adventure Park
For families and thrill-seekers, First Flight Adventure Park is an unforgettable way to spend a day in Nags Head. Located at MP 16, this aerial ropes and zipline course features 42 obstacles and six ziplines up to 50 feet in the air. Designed for ages six and up, it’s a fun and challenging way to see the Outer Banks from new heights.
Dolphin & Scenic Tours
No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without a dolphin tour in Nags Head. Local captains know just where to look for playful pods, and along the way, you’ll also enjoy scenic views of the Roanoke Sound and Atlantic Ocean. A dolphin cruise is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for couples, families, and groups.
Golf in Nags Head
Golfers will love the challenge and beauty of Nags Head Golf Links, a Scottish-style course designed by Bob Moore. Coastal breezes add character to every hole, and Golf Digest calls the soundside stretches “among the most beautiful in the Eastern U.S.” It’s a must-play course for anyone who enjoys golfing with ocean views.
Fishing the Outer Banks
Generations of anglers have made Nags Head a favorite destination for Outer Banks fishing trips. Cast a line from the beach, try one of three local fishing piers, head to the Roanoke or Albemarle Sound, or book a deep-sea charter for the ultimate adventure. From casual family outings to serious sportfishing, Nags Head has it all.
🌟 Guest Highlight: Fly a Kite at Jockey’s Ridge
When the ocean breeze picks up, there’s no better spot than Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast. Kite flying here is a local tradition, and with wide-open skies and steady winds, it’s fun for all ages. Bring your own or pick one up at a nearby kite shop like Kitty Hawk Kites – Nags Head, and let your spirit soar above the dunes.
Plan Your Active Outer Banks Vacation
From watersports to wild dolphin tours, OBX is filled with ways to get active, get outside, and make memories. At Surf Side Hotel, we’ll be here to welcome you home after every adventure—with a warm smile, fresh-baked cookies, and a front-row seat to the ocean. Book your stay at Surf Side Hotel and get active—your next OBX adventure is calling.
* Please check with each locations directly for up-to-date hours and information.
